Ducati Monster

Ducati Monster
Manufacturer	Ducati Motor Holding SpA
Production	Since 1993
Predecessor	None
Successor	Current
Class	Sport bike
Platform	trellis frame
Engine	Multiple models based on the Ducati L-twin. Two valve air-cooled and four valve water cooled.
Transmission	6-speed
Rake	24°
Wheelbase	1440 mm (all)
Seat height	770 mm to 800 mm (depending on model)
Dry weight	168 kg to 177 kg (depending on model)
Fuel capacity	14 L (depending on model)
Video	Roadtest: Ducati Monster 1100S

Ducati Monster at Wheels Of Italy

The Monster (informally called Il Mostro in Italian) is a motorcycle designed by Miguel Angel Galluzzi and produced by Ducati Motor Holdings in Bologna, Italy since 1993. It is of the naked bike style, which is characterized by a sport bike with a fully exposed engine and frame. In 2005, Monster sales account for over half of Ducati's worldwide sales. Ducati motorcycles are best-known for their L-twin Desmodromic valve engines (also known as a 90° V-Twin) and tubular steel trellis chassis, both features designed by the late Fabio Taglioni (1920-2001).

History

1990s

Ducati introduced three Monster models in its first generation: M600, M750 and M900 (the numbers denote engine sizes). The first, the M900, was shipped in 1993; the M600 shipped in 1994, and finally the M750 arrived in 1996. The bike remained relatively unchanged until 2000, when Ducati added fuel injection to the M900 model. Perhaps more importantly, in 2001 Ducati also introduced the S4, which added the liquid-cooled 4-valve Superbike engine to the stable. Other technical changes that year included semi-floating front disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, lighter Brembo wheels as well as 43 mm Showa inverted forks. 2002 saw the introduction of the limited, 300 edition, high-spec, S4 Fogarty

2000s

The bike remained relatively unchanged until 2000, when Ducati added fuel injection to the M900 model. Perhaps more importantly, in 2001 Ducati also introduced the S4, which added the liquid-cooled 4-valve Superbike engine to the stable. Other technical changes that year included semi-floating front disc brakes with Brembo four-piston calipers, lighter Brembo wheels as well as 43 mm Showa inverted forks. 2002 saw the introduction of the limited, 300 edition, high-spec, S4 Fogarty.

In November 2005, a new top of the range model was announced: the S4RS Testastretta. This new model uses the engine from the 999 Superbike with Öhlins suspension front and rear and radial front brakes. Also in 2005, Ducati added the S2R Desmodue (two-valved Desmodromic engine) line to the Monster family: styled akin to the 4-valve S4R, but with the simpler 2-valve 800 cc and 1000 cc motors in the S2R 800 and S2R1000, respectively. February 2006 marked the announcement of the 2007 Monster 695. It replaced the Monster 620 and was introduced June 2006.

There are currently three models: the 696, 1100, and 1100S. All feature air-cooled, two-valve engines. The Monster 696 was announced in November 2007, and officially launched early April 2008 in Barcelona. Its 696 L-twin features the highest power output per cc of any Ducati air-cooled engine. The Monster 1100 was announced in September 2008. Based on the Monster 696, it comes with a larger 1078 cc engine, a single sided swingarm, radial brake calipers, larger forks and taller suspension. The 1100 "S" model features fully adjustable Öhlins suspension components, a different colour scheme and aluminium brake disc carriers, which account for a 1 kg weight reduction.

Customized S4R Monster

S4 Fogarty Monster

Official Links

• Official Ducati Monster product page

• Ducati vs Japanese Motorcycles Ducati compares their motorcycle offerings to those of Japanese manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki.

External links

• DucatiMonster.org Large online community dedicated to Ducati Monsters.